US Coast Guard to Post Patrol Cutters in Western Pacific to Deter Chinese Boats - O'Brien
22:15 GMT 23.10.2020(updated 22:40 GMT 23.10.2020)
United States National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien says the US Coast Guard (USCG) is evaluating the possible basing of Sentinel-class fast response cutters in American Samoa as a response to illegal activity and harassment by China.
The USCG expressed intent to evaluate the stationing of Enhanced (Fast) Response Cutters in the western Pacific for maritime security missions, such as recent illegal fishing and harassment by Chinese vessels, O'Brien detailed in a Friday statement obtained by Reuters.
If the survey, slated for Fiscal Year 2021, is "favorable," the US "could further expand its presence" in the region, he said, as reported by CNN National Security Reporter Ryan Browne.
"China's illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and harassment of vessels operating in the exclusive economic zones of other countries in the Indo-Pacific, threatens our sovereignty, as well as the sovereignty of our Pacific neighbors and endangers regional stability," O'Brien alleged.
"Efforts of the United States Government, including the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are critical to countering these destabilizing and malign actions."
This public announcement comes a day after the Trump administration official spoke with American Samoa Governor Lolo Matalasi Moliga.
© Sputnik
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